Characters

George

Sensible, Anxious, Protective, Patient

He acts as a guardian for Lennie throughout the book, finding work for them and always getting him out of troubleBut George is a lonely man and needs Lennie too – the ranch is a dream they both share. Their relationship is envied by others. George’s killing of Lennie at the end is an act of great friendship and loyaltyLennieSimple-minded, Gentle, Strong, DestructiveHe never intends to hurt anyone or anything but gets easily panicked & forgets his strengthLike a child, he expects people to like him and people generally respond warmly to his affectionate natureLennie is almost totally dependent on George and without him would not survive long

CurleyAggressive, Insecure, Vengeful, CowardlyHe behaves like one who holds a grudge against the worldHe picks on Lennie because he thinks he is too timid to fight backHe does not grieve at his wife’s death perhaps beacause he sees her as a prize to fight over rather than a person to loveCurley’s WifeLonely, Flirtatious, Trouble-making, Unhappy, ManipulativeShe is the only woman living among mostly unmarried men; it is a difficult situation for herGeorge is especially worried about her around Lennie because of what happened in WeedShe is not given a name – her identity is by association only to her unkind husbandCrooksDisrespected, Unhappy, Lonely, IsolatedCrooks, the stable-buck, is bullied because he is a black man by Curley his boss who is racistHe is not open or friendly towards people mainly because they are not this way towards himWhen he stands up to Curley’s wife, she threatens terrible punishment on himCandyInformed, Cautious, Powerless, FriendlyBeing old and crippled, he feels worthless

He tries to keep a low profile in case Curley gets rid of him; he has nowhere else to goCandy tries to protect his dog but fails and silently retreats. He sees the way his dog is treated as the way others see him – old and worn-outHe responds to the ranch dream as an escape